Blue Notes
Balks…Part 2
Two of the toughest components to figure it out when it comes to a
‘Balk’, is the ‘Set’ and the ‘Step’ components. Let’s take a look at them
both.
The other question umpires often have is when to stop the play and call
‘Time’ after a balk has been called by one of the umpires. Let’s take a look.
If the pitcher does NOT throw the ball, ‘Time’ should be called and the balk
enforced.
f
d
‘Set’
We’ve all heard many different
definitions of what constitutes a
‘Set’ from a change in direction,
to having to count to one one‐
thousand;
h
d neither
h
would
ld be
b
correct. First, the pitcher must
come to a ‘Set’, anywhere
between the top of his or her
head, and the bottom of his or
her arms being extended
downward. There is no time
requirement other than the
umpire must be satisfied that
the pitcher has come to a ‘Set’.
The entire body of the pitcher
must come to a stop at the same
time, i.e. the hands cannot be
still moving and the pitchers legs
begin to lift.
If the pitch is thrown and it is caught by the catcher, call ‘Time’ the moment the
ball is caught. If however, the pitch is ball four and all runners including the batter
advance one base disregard the balk.
If the pitch is thrown and strikes the batter, call ‘Time’ immediately and enforce
the balk unless all runners including the batter advance one base. If all runners
and the batter do not advance one base, the count is resumed as it was prior to
the pitch that struck him.
If the balk is followed by a wild pitch, allow the play to continue until the play is
finished and runners have stopped trying to advance and a fielder has the ball.
Rule 8.05 allows the runner to advance to a base beyond which he is entitled at his
own risk. In this case, remember the ‘Balk’ is still acknowledged for the batter,
and the count is resumed as it was prior to the pitch, unless it is strike three or ball
four and the batter and all runners have advanced at least one base.
base
If the balk is followed by a pick‐off to a base that is caught by the fielder, call
‘Time’, and enforce the balk the moment the fielder catches the ball.
‘Step’
A pitcher, while in contact with the rubber, is required to ‘Step’ directly
towards a base before throwing to that base. If a pitcher spins or turns off of
his free foot and throws before stepping, it is a balk. The key to defining a
step is that the pitcher must lift his non
non‐pivot
pivot foot entirely off the ground
‘step’
and place it down in a location different from where it started and towards
the base he’s stepping. It must have both distance and direction to be a step.
If the balk is followed by a wild throw, allow the play to continue until the play is
finished and runners have stopped trying to advance and a fielder has the ball.
Rule 8.05 allows the runner to advance to a base beyond which he is entitled at his
own risk.
If the ball is hit, leave the ball in play until it’s apparent that the batter, or one of
the runners,
runners will not advance one base,
base then call ‘Time’
Time and enforce the balk.
balk If it
it’ss
a force out or a fly ball caught, do not signal the out first; simply call ‘Time’ at that
point.
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